# Incoming Freshman Help Choosing whether to study music in college can be daunting. This page should help you take your first steps in finding the information you need. ## First Steps - **STEP 1:** fill our or [Interest Form](https://airtable.com/appV2UFEOZdQxBIMH/pagqI37v3buD3u4hS/form) to get us acquainted with who you are. - **STEP 2:** make sure you [Apply to UNLV](https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/undergraduate/first-year) - **STEP 3:** check out our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] page to get an idea of what you might want to prepare to play for us. - **STEP 4:** if you still have questions, email [email protected] ## After Admission After you've been admitted to UNLV as a student you should... - **STEP 1:** Email the [[1.3 Faculty and Staff|Percussion Area Coordinator]] to set up an Audition Time - **STEP 2:** Come to [[1.1 Program Information#Location|campus]] and audition - **STEP 3:** Obtain your [Rebel Card](https://www.unlv.edu/rebelcard) - **STEP 4:** Sign up for [UNLV Orientation](https://www.unlv.edu/orientation) - **STEP 5:** Monitor your email and check the [[2026-2027 Orientation Page]] regularly prior to the start of the semester. ## What do I need to know before I get to college? Our [[2.1 Audition Requirements (all levels)|Audition Requirements]] outlines this for the music side of things, but below is a list of some additional (general) information to consider before getting to college. - **Ensure you understand the cost:** both time and financially. - Do your research - Ask people *in* college already - Ask faculty and advisors, that's what they're there for - **Get your communication skills into shape** - Understand that ***email is everything*** and clear, timely communication will make or break you as a student - Monitor your email and communicate on time - Be respectful, and use appropriate language (e.g., no "lol" or "omg" or emoji) - Learn your professors' titles (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr.) - In doubt, just address them as "Professor" - **Help yourself first before asking for help** - You will quickly develop a negative impression on your faculty and peers if you encounter problems and immediately ask for help without trying to help yourself first. - Everyone is busy and managing their own problems—manage *yours first* and if you hit a true dead end, *then* ask for help. - **Use this site to find answers** - This site was painstakingly crafted for months to ensure you have access to virtually every possible detail and piece of information you could possibly need in order to thrive as a student of UNLV Percussion ## Scholarships The UNLV Percussion does not have a dedicated scholarship fund from which to award incoming percussionist. Thus, the idea of a "full ride percussion scholarship" at UNLV does not exist. However, there are *ample* scholarship opportunities and funding sources that the Percussion Area solicits internally to award scholarships to incoming students. So while there is no set amount or tiered system that we have to give you a precise dollar amount or percentage of expenses covered, we can assure you that **money is available.** ### So how do I get scholarships? You audition! It is crucial that you reach out to us *early* and ensure that you get on the Scholarship Audition schedule. Auditioning is the **only** way to be considered for scholarship in a "first come, first served" manner. In rare cases, UNLV faculty may observe you in a public performance setting outside of school and reach out to you directly, noting that you are a scholarship candidate. But no percussion faculty can or will ever offer you a scholarship directly. **If anyone claims to offer you a scholarship to our program, please email us immediately.** ## Additional FAQs and Links to Helpful Topics - What [[3.1.1 General Requirements and Materials#Sticks & Mallets|Sticks and Mallets]] do I need before getting to college? - more FAQs soon...